Elfinwild Meals Ministry provides nutrition, interaction year-round

Dick Friedline derives genuine pleasure from working in the kitchen — slicing fruit, mixing salad and packing lunches.

It’s a good thing, since he compiles up to 180 meals a day in his job as manager of Elfinwild Meals Ministry, a delivery service that sends meatloaf, lasagna, hot dogs and desserts to people of all ages across the Shaler area.

“I get so much satisfaction from knowing that I’m doing something good,” said Friedline of Ross. “We’re all here just doing it to help out, and you don’t find that sentiment everywhere in today’s world.”

Situated in the basement of Elfinwild Presbyterian Church at 3200 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw, the program has no age or income guidelines.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re 20 or 90, our whole reason for being here is to provide meals,” Friedline said.

The Meals Ministry is self-sustaining with income from the clients as well as donations from the church congregation, community members and other local service groups.

The volunteer crew of 100 — some of whom have been dishing out meals for 25 years — shows up by 7 a.m. each weekday to start the ovens, slice the bread and separate the fruit.

On any given day, up to 90 clients get their choice of a cold bagged lunch or a hot meal, including a protein, starch and veggie.

“It’s a nice hot meal,” Friedline said. “It’s meant so they can put it right in the microwave.”

Bagged lunches usually have a lunchmeat sandwich, salad, dessert and milk. The cost is $5 a day for two meals.

On birthdays, clients get a treat bag that might include a face mask or hand sanitizer.

“They get a cupcake and some other doo-dads too,” Friedline said. “You’d be surprised how much they enjoy that gesture.”

Volunteer Bob George of Allison Park has been driving his delivery route for about a year. The retiree commits to one day every two weeks and said he looks forward to talking with everyone on his stops.

They appreciate the camaraderie, too, George said.

“I have one guy, he’s my favorite, who always comes outside to greet me,” George said. “It’s nice to be a part of the church and stay active.”

Elfinwild Meals Ministry operates every day of the year, holidays included, except Christmas.

They didn’t miss a single day throughout the pandemic, rather just adjusted to more rigid standards of wearing masks, extra disinfecting and social distancing.

Volunteer Nic Clare of Shaler understands that patrons might have limited contact and goes out of his way to make small talk.

“We might be the only people they talk to all day,” said Clare, who pulls double-duty as a driver and cook.

On March 31, he was behind a stainless steel counter whipping up hollandaise sauce for 75 omelettes. Later in the week, the menu included meatloaf and then stuffed cod for Good Friday.

It has been six years since Clare, a former restaurateur, started giving his time behind the stove at Elfinwild.

“I originally started bringing my son here for Cub Scouts and found out they needed a cook,” he said. “I enjoy being in the kitchen. I get here early and start the hot meals and then slice the meat and cheese. Mostly, I just tell jokes.”

For more information, to order or to donate, call 412-486-8000.